Evaluating the Usefulness of a New Set of Hurricane Classification Indices

Abstract

This paper provides a thorough evaluation of the hurricane indices (i.e., intensity, damage, and surge) recently proposed by Kantha. A database of past U.S. landfalling hurricanes was developed, and the indices were calculated based upon each storm?s individual parameters. Comparisons are made among various storms? index values based on actual intensity, damage, and surge values. Only the surge index provided information that added appreciably to the information provided by the Saffir?Simpson scale; the value of the surge index as a prelandfall surge indicator and as a postanalysis tool is explored.